Agility to roll back its system on March 31

Kuwait based software supplier Agility has decided to finally rollback Pakistan Automated Customs Computerised System (PaCCS) on March 31 in case Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) fails to arrive at some agreeable solution on the mode of continuing the system, according to a reliable source.
Agility, the owner of PaCCS would then have no alternative left but to press for arbitration proceedings in a French court where its arbitration application is already registered. During his discussions with high officials of Agility in Kuwait on March 4 on the future of PaCCS, Agility had turned down Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue's offer to continue the system on public-private partnership basis. They did not show any interest because of their old experience of mishandling the system.
FBR, however, showed its interest in Agility's alternate suggestion that FBR purchase the system to continue it further. It is more likely, the source said, that FBR will quote some price to Agility before the end of the month, as agreed in the meeting.
The source quoted Chairman, FBR having said during the meeting that PaCCS is a good system and FBR will continue with it. The conflict of interest arose between FBR and Agility due to some internal issues with FBR otherwise there was no flaw in the system, Chairman, FBR reportedly told Agility officials.
While talking about arbitration, Agility clearly informed FBR Chairman that the case will remain registered for arbitration in French court till such time the dispute is resolved.
During the last week of February, Agility had decided to shut down PaCCS because of FBR's cold response on its implementation and five of the technical staff employed by Agility had quit their offices. At the same time Agility also filed arbitration case in French court for settlement of dues including six years of services to Pakistan customs. Before moving to French court, Agility had given deadline of February 28 to negotiate on PaCCS but FBR did not respond even after the deadline. Instead another request was made for continuation of the system to which Agility had responded positively and had announced continuation of PaCCS till March 31.
Since 2007, Agility has continued this one-window system to benefit stakeholders, including customs agents, importers and exporters. The stakeholders have expressed concern over the closure of this automated solution that eliminated direct contact between customs officials and stakeholders. The software developed by Agility is simple and user-friendly.
PaCCS users, traders and importers are extremely happy with this move of the new Chairman, FBR and believe that this initiative will serve the purpose. The system was introduced six years ago to automate Customs clearances and the project was taken in hand as a pilot project. PaCCS has been built on international standards to promote the trade and to automate Customs procedures. The functionalities and capabilities of PaCCS system are that it has an end-to-end automated solution covering all Customs functions.